medicinal herbsThymus zygis

Herb latin name: Thymus zygis

Synonyms: Thymus tenuifolius

Family: Labiatae

Medicinal use of Thymus zygis:

The leaves, and especially the essential oil contained in them, are strongly antiseptic, deodorant and disinfectant. The plant can be used fresh at any time of the year, or it can be harvested as it comes into flower and either be distilled for the oil or dried for later use.

Description of the plant:

Plant:

EvergreenShrub

Height:

30 cm(11 3/4 inch)

Scent:

ScentedShrub

Habitat of the herb:

Dry sunny hills.

Edible parts of Thymus zygis:

The leaves are used as a condiment. If the leaves are to be dried, the plants should be harvested in early and late summer just before the flowers open and the leaves should be dried quickly.

Other uses of the herb:

The essential oil obtained from the leaves is used in perfumery, as a mouth wash, medicinally etc. This plant is the main commercial source of thyme oil.

Propagation of Thymus zygis:

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Seed can also be sown in autumn in a greenhouse. Surface sow or barely cover the seed. Germination can be erratic. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring. Cuttings of young shoots, 5 - 8cm with a heel, May/June in a frame. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Layering.